Art & craft

Everard Read Gallery, Johannesburg

For painters and sculptors, an exhibition at the Everard Read Gallery means you've made it in South Africa. more
Zulu-lulu Ceramics, KwaZulu-Natal

A visit to the Zulu-lulu ceramic studio should be on the itinerary of anyone visiting the Midlands, the central area in KwaZulu-Natal province that is known for its arts and crafts. more
Circa on Jellicoe, Johannesburg

As well as being an art gallery, Circa on Jellicoe is a modern, multi-purpose building that also hosts public events and small private functions. more
Museum Africa

Museum Africa, in Johannesburg's Newtown Cultural District, features cultural, historic and artistic exhibits sourced from across Southern Africa. more

More about Art & craft

Art of Africa

The artistic heritage of the San is being preserved by a few contemporary San artists at the Art of Africa gallery in Cape Town. more

!Khwa ttu San culture and education centre

Discover the culture and heritage of the San people, renowned for their tracking, rock art, spirituality and egalitarian, eco-sensitive society. more

Touring Cape Town's art galleries

An art-inspired tour of Cape Town will take you from the city centre to small, contemporary art and design spaces in the heart of Woodstock. more

1Traditional masks

Used in Zulu rituals, traditional masks are sold along the Durban beachfront, and at selected markets and galleries.

2Ilala Palm baskets

Woven from organic material, these baskets are both practical and visually appealing - for sale by informal hawkers and in local gift shops and markets. The BAT Centre is a great place to look for local art & craft.

3Pottery

Sturdy beer pots made in the age-old Zulu tradition add an authentic décor touch. Available from informal vendors, beachfront hawkers and in local gift shops and galleries.

4Beadwork and jewellery

Gorgeous Zulu beadwork and jewellery can be found around Durban, at popular south coast beaches and in Maputaland – look out for wooden 4x4 vehicle replicas here too. Colourful beads woven in the traditional style can make a major fashion statement back home.

5Indian fabric

Durban is home to a large Indian community and their kaleidoscope of fabric shops sell beautiful saris, Indian fashion items and a wide selection of imported fabrics. Negotiate a discount.

6Spices from Victoria Street Market

With names like "Mother-in-law's revenge", a fine mix of spices and curry powders are on sale in the Victoria Street market, an excellent place to shop for authentic Indian fare. Larger malls often include an Indian spice shop if you're in a hurry.

7Sharks memorabilia

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial rugby team is the pride of the province, and goes by the name of the Sharks. All manner of customised gear, from socks to T-shirts and caps are sold at their headquarters at eThekwini's (Durban's) Absa Stadium, at King Shaka Airport and in sports shops.

8Midlands arts and crafts

The Midlands Meander features a plethora of locally produced arts and crafts. Along the mapped route (maps available from tourism offices) you'll find weavers, potters, artists, second-hand dealers, glassworks, farm stalls, carpenters and loads more places to find a souvenir to suit your pocket.

9Indigenous artwork

There are many small art and craft galleries in KwaZulu-Natal. Try the NSA Gallery in Bulwer Road, eThekweni (Durban) for a great selection of crafts and artwork; African Art Centre in Florida Road, eThekweni; Andrew Walford Shongweni Pottery Gallery in Hillcrest; Imbizo Gallery in Ballito or the Tamasa Art Gallery on the Berea.

10Beachwear

When in Rome ... dress up in slops and baggies and you'll blend in with the locals. KwaZulu-Natal is the beach capital of South Africa, and it's here that you'll find surf shops and beachfront vendors selling all manner of beach gear, from sarongs and swimming trunks to slops, sunhats and more. For authentic surf labels, stick to the mall outlets.